Ferrari established a landmark in its production road car design in 1973-74 with the release of its rear-engined flat-12 365 Boxer Berlinetta model.

The 365 Boxer reigned supreme for a period, as the fastest and most sensationally-specified 'supercar' anywhere on the world's markets, but increasingly restrictive pollution and noise legislation – particularly in the USA, meant the design had to be re-considered.

Ferrari decided that the 4.4-litre engine should be enlarged to 4942 cc through increasing both the bore and stroke dimensions.

The larger-capacity power unit could then provide the same power and torque levels at reduced engine revolutions, while the new 5-litre engine was also to use racing-style dry-sump lubrication to eradicate oil surge problems which might be caused by the increased cornering power and speeds of the more powerful car.

Ferrari began to consider a return to endurance racing competition with a version of their production Gran Turismo design.

This was to ...